The team at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council have been working hard at pulling together a fabulous programme of free events across the Borough this summer, including Summer of Play, Love Parks Week, and Biodiversity University.
Check out the range of events below - making memories this summer doesn’t have to cost a fortune!
At all events attendees will be expected to adhere to current Public Health Agency guidance and Government Guidelines, and to wear suitable clothing and footwear according to the weather.
WILD ABOUT FOOD: DELICIOUS DRINKS
Monday 19 July | 12:00 - 13:30
Ecos Nature Park, Ballymena
Organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, forage for edible flowers such as elderflower and lime and see what refreshing tea and cordial you can make!
Walk led by expert Dermot Hughes of Forage Ireland.
Meeting at the Ecos Drawbridge at the main car park. Booking is essential. Please complete the booking form link to apply for your space.
BOOK: bit.ly/2SB9FCu
FB EVENT PAGE: fb.me/e/1AH5rao4z
ORIENTEERING CHALLENGE
Tuesday 20 July | 10:00am - 12:00pm
Bashfordsland Wood, Carrickfergus
Get active and improve your navigational skills while enjoying the challenge of orienteering in the lush surroundings of Bashfordsland Wood, hosted by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
Meeting at Oakfield Community Centre from 10am. Booking essential.
EVENT PAGE: fb.me/e/1Btso2Hfy
PAWSITIVE WALKS AND TALKS
Tuesday 20 July 10:00am - 11:00am
Larne Promenade
A relaxed dog walking group to encourage great mental health for participants and their pups.
Booking essential. To book your place:
FB EVENT PAGE: fb.me/e/1phQF6Tv2
QUIET HOUR AT PEOPLE’S PARK
People’s Park Play Area, Ballymena
Tuesday 20 July | 9:30am - 10:30am
A hushed one-hour quiet session within this multi-sensory and all ability play park, for those who find too much noise overwhelming.
There will be no machinery operating in the park during this time and visitors will be encouraged to keep the noise down.
EVENT PAGE: fb.me/e/2hHknQWJq
MUMS’ KEEP FIT CLASS
People’s Park, Ballymena
Wednesday 21 July | 10:00am - 11:00am
A tailored fun fitness class for mums of all fitness levels.
Booking essential. To book please email:
FB EVENT PAGE: fb.me/e/2o2E4QR7X
SUMMERTIME… STORYTIME
Wednesday 21 July | 10:00am - 12:00pm
Shaftesbury Park, Carrickfergus
Join Samantha Porciello from ‘A Place To Wonder’ as she takes you on an adventure of creative storytelling, imaginative play and a series of relaxation activities.
• Two 45mins sessions. Booking essential.
Please complete the booking form link to secure your space.
BOOK: bit.ly/3xZhbpR
FB EVENT PAGE: fb.me/e/Z3ZYk7yK
WE’RE GOING ON A BUG HUNT!
Wednesday 21 July 10:30am - 12:00pm
Diamond Jubilee Wood, Whitehead
Spend a morning bug hunting and see what magnificent mini-beasts can you find!
Meeting at Bentra Golf Clubhouse. Booking essential.
BOOKING FORM: bit.ly/3h39ycn
FB EVENT PAGE: fb.me/e/1vQHZq0m7
BETTER CONNECTED: OVER 50’s FITNESS
Wednesday 21 July | 11:30am - 12:30pm
People’s Park, Ballymena
A relaxed and welcoming group session for promoting activity and fostering friendships for those 50+.
Booking essential. To book please email.
FB EVENT PAGE: fb.me/e/dpju6QY7q
INCLUSIVE BIKE HIRE
Wednesday 21 July | 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Shaftesbury Park, Carrickfergus
Booking for a range of inclusive bikes designed to support those with a range of mobility and sensory needs.
Booking essential via the link below.
YOGA AND MEDITATION
Wednesday 21 July | 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Curran Park, Larne
An introduction to yoga and meditation surrounded by greenery.
Take this opportunity to learn about the benefits of this practice for health and wellbeing.
Booking essential. Please complete the booking form link to secure your space:
BOOK: bit.ly/3xaQuhO
FB EVENT PAGE: fb.me/e/RRjmy7Sj
ORIENTEERING CHALLENGE
Thursday 22 July | 10:00am - 12:00pm
People’s Park, Ballymena
Get active and improve your navigational skills.
Enjoy the challenge of orienteering in the beautiful surroundings of Peoples Park.
Booking essential via emailing address below.
FB EVENT PAGE: fb.me/e/1DG8ByQLF
SEASHELL STORIES
Thursday 22 July | 11:00am - 12:00pm
Browns Bay, Islandmagee
A Seaside Conservation Adventure.
Enjoy interactive storytelling and environmental activities on this beautiful beach and you may even meet a mermaid!
Booking essential. Please complete the booking form link below to secure your space.
BOOK: bit.ly/2SCAiah
BIG FAMILY GAMES NIGHT
Thursday 22 July | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Town Park, Larne
Bring the whole family along for an evening of fun and games including rounders, ultimate Frisbee, capture the flag and much more.
Booking essential via the booking form link to secure your space.
BOOK: bit.ly/364rzAS
EVENTS PAGE: fb.me/e/11CIxqsNw
BAT NIGHT
Friday 23 July | 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Galgorm Wood, Ballymena
Go batty for bats!
Take a walk at dusk looking for these fascinating nocturnal mammals using torches and bat detectors.
Please bring your own torch if you have one.
Meeting at Old Mill Park Cullybackey.
Booking essential via the booking form link to secure your space.
BOOK: bit.ly/3Abtr8B
FB EVENT PAGE: fb.me/e/11sZteZXO
CONNECTED WALK: HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Saturday 24 July | 10:00am - 12:00pm
Carrickfergus
This walk is part of the ‘Connected Walks Programme’ which started last December.
These are particularly challenging and sometimes isolating times, but getting some gentle exercise, outdoors, in the fresh air and interacting with other people can be beneficial for both mental and physical health.
A series of 90 minute guided walks, followed by a cool drink and some chat, will continue to run in Carrickfergus this Summer.
Walking routes will include Carrickfergus Mill Ponds, Shaftesbury Park, Marine Gardens and Carrickfergus Highway to Health.
BOOK: bit.ly/3jCxDbE
FB PAGE: fb.me/e/QLjcBHBH
PADDLE BOARDING
Saturday 24 July | 11:00am
Carrickfergus Marina
Take the splash and try out paddle boarding at Carrickfergus Marina🛶
3 sessions - 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
Booking essential via the booking form link to secure your space.
BOOK: bit.ly/3w44j0d
FB EVENT PAGE: fb.me/e/1j80TnKAg
SUMMER BAND CONCERT
Sunday 25 July | 2:15pm - 4:30pm
Carnfunnock Country Park
Enjoy a free band concert within the Walled Garden Amphitheatre.
• Dummigans Accordion (2:15pm - 3:15pm)
• CWA Brass Band (3:30pm – 4:30pm)
ALL ABILITY AT THE ALLOTMENTS
Wednesday 28 July | 10:00am - 12:00pm
Eden Allotments & Community Centre, Carrickfergus
We’re shouting about the importance of play all summer long through our #MEAdventures programme with activities every Wednesday.
Enjoy a guided sensory walk through the allotment gardens and meet some friendly farm animals.🌳🌱
Booking essential.
Please complete the booking form link to secure your space!
BOOK: bit.ly/3xYJgNY
NATURAL PLAY DAY
Wednesday 4 August | 10:00am - 12:00pm
People’s Park, Ballymena
Join Northern Ireland Forest School Association for a morning of natural play - connect to nature and let your imagination run wild.
Meeting at The Pavillion.
• Two 45min sessions
Booking essential via the booking form link to secure your space.
BOOK: bit.ly/3h1ptrt
FUN FAMILY GAMES
Wednesday 11 August | 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Shaftesbury Park, Carrickfergus
Bring the whole family along for an afternoon of fun games including rounders, capture the flag, ultimate frisbee and more.
Booking essential via the booking form link to secure your space.
BOOK: bit.ly/3w5ices
MAGIC SHOW
Wednesday 18 August | 10:00am - 12:00pm
Town Park, Larne
Be entertained by Mr Magic and his friend Oscar the Magic Monkey. Sure to be a morning of mischief, magic and laughter!✨
Meeting at The Bandstand.
• Two 40min shows available.
Booking essential via the booking form link to secure your space.
BOOK: bit.ly/3qAfgph
FB EVENT PAGE: https://fb.me/e/2wKlzJdS7
SCAVENGER HUNT
Wednesday 25 August | 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ecos Nature Park, Ballymena
Scavenge for clues around Ecos Nature Park. Can you solve all the puzzles and reach the end?
Starting at the Ecos Drawbridge in the main car park.
Booking essential via the booking form link to secure your space.
BOOK: bit.ly/3yiD57R
FB EVENT PAGE: fb.me/e/NGZa21ZG
BIODIVERSITY UNIVERSITY
Another fantastic initiative from
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council - week long event Biodiversity University running in Ballymena, Whitehead, and Larne!
Learn all about the Natural World through fun family activities! Can you graduate from the Biodiversity University?
Locations and booking links below.
BALLYMENA | ECOS Nature Park
Monday 9 to Friday 13 August
BOOK: bit.ly/3qSQ8u1
WHITEHEAD | Diamond Jubilee Wood
Monday 2 to Friday 6 August
BOOK: bit.ly/2Uzq8Yn
LARNE | Carnfunnock Country Park
Monday 16 to Friday 20 August
BOOK: bit.ly/3wsPXGS
You can also find information at the link below: